Even though a crime is not violent in nature, it still has the power to cause harm to innocent victims. A prime example of this is white-collar crimes. Without further introduction, please follow along to find out the types of white-collar crimes punishable in New Jersey and how a proficient Morris County white-collar crime lawyer at the Macri Law Firm can help you understand what to expect with your charges.
What are the types of white-collar crimes?
Per New Jersey criminal law, white-collar crime is an umbrella term used to describe non-violent, financially motivated offenses. They are often committed in a business or governmental setting, and typically involve breaches of trust and unfair advantages for obtaining money. With that said, below are specific examples of white-collar crimes:
- Fraud: This involves deception for financial gain, through securities fraud, wire fraud, healthcare fraud, insurance fraud, or otherwise.
- Embezzlement: This involves the unlawful taking or misappropriation of funds or property, typically in a business or governmental setting.
- Money laundering: This involves concealing the origins of money or illegally obtaining it by funneling it through legitimate businesses or transactions.
- Identity theft: This involves stealing an individual’s personal information to commit fraud or other financial crimes under their name.
- Bribery: This involves offering, giving, or receiving something valuable for an unfair advantage or to influence a public official.
- Tax evasion: This involves avoiding the legal obligation to pay taxes through underreporting income, falsifying deductions, hiding money, or otherwise.
What are the long-term consequences of committing a white-collar crime?
Obviously, a white-collar crime is considered a serious criminal offense in the state of New Jersey that is punishable by hefty fines and lengthy prison sentences. The severity of these punishments may match the severity of the specific crime. What’s more, since the crime likely entailed the unfair taking of money, the New Jersey criminal court may also order you to pay restitution to those who were financial victims in the matter.
Besides criminal consequences, white-collar crimes may also be associated with professional consequences. For one, if you carried out your crime in a business setting, you can lose your professional licenses or certifications necessary to work in your industry. Even if you do not lose these accreditations, your reputation within the industry may forever be tainted. This, on top of a new criminal record, may make it difficult to regain employment after serving your prison sentence or otherwise once your case closes. Even if you look outside your previous field, employers may be hesitant to offer you employment if the job involves handling money or other financial matters.
If you find yourself in need of legal aid, look no further than a talented Morris County, New Jersey criminal defense lawyer. Whether you simply have a legal question or require legal representation in an upcoming court case, our team at the Macri Law Firm is willing to help out. Pick up the phone and call us today.